The work of Professor Westmeyer’s laboratory focuses on bioengineering of next-generation molecular sensors and actuators for functional imaging and remote spatiotemporal control of cellular processes with whole organ(ism) coverage. To this end, mammalian cell engineering, nanotechnological and synthetic techniques are combined with non-invasive imaging methods such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT), complemented with fast fluorescence imaging. The new molecular imaging agents and actuators are applied for dynamic analyses of organoids and neurobehavioral imaging of preclinical model organisms to dissect cellular network function and contribute to future imaging-controlled tissue engineering as well as regenerative and cell therapies.